Hello Everyone,
 
The first day of school is right around the corner and the Packers are in the pre-season.  That means dues bills are coming soon.
 
As you know, the GMAR is increasing dues this year to provide the SentriLock lockbox system to all members.  Soon, SentriLock will be sending each one of you an invitation to lockbox training in September.  You will receive lockboxes at the training (there is no cost for the boxes, they are included in the cost of the system).  You can also see a FAQ below in this newsletter.
 
I would like to invite all of you to get in involved in the GMAR, by joining the Strategic Planning Task Force.  The task force will meet at the end of the month to examine members' opinions of the home buying/selling process, trends in consumer behavior, as well as what you think the real estate market will be like in the next 12-18 months.  Insights gained from the task force will help the GMAR's Board of Directors determine what products and services the Association should focus on to help members' business.
 
Your opinions are very valuable as we chart the future course of organized real estate in southeastern Wisconsin.
 
To join the Strategic Planning Task Force, please send an email to mike@gmar.ws
 
I hope you can find some time to enjoy the last few days of summer!

Vickie Kelsall
2018 GMAR Chairwoman

 
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions on electronic lockboxes.
 
Please click this link to see them and learn more about SentriLock.
 
   
We have included some instructional videos to view at your convenience: 

How to install Sentrismart
 
How to open the key compartment
 
How to release the shackle


 
PARADE OF HOMES

REALTOR DAYS - Realtors get in FREE with a business card on Tuesdays, August 14, 21 and 28  from 4:00-8:00pm
 
The subdivisions featured in the 2018 Parade of Homes include:
 
Lilly Crossing - Brookfield

Lake Country Village - Summit
 
Hidden Hills - Sussex
 

Click here to listen to safety tips from John Gscheidmeier, Chair of GMAR Safety Committee 
GMAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

The GMAR is seeking industry leaders to serve on its Board of Directors.  Four director positions will be elected by GMAR members to serve three-year terms.  

If you are interested in being a member of the GMAR's Board of Directors, please complete the application form below and return to Scott Bush (Scott@gmar.ws)  by August 31.  

If you have questions, please call the GMAR at 414.778.4929

Click here for an application form. 
GMAR YOUTH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
 
Since 1959, the GMAR Youth Foundation, Inc. has awarded millions of dollars in grants to local youth based organizations in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington Counties.  Grants are awarded to fund projects for arts and culture, social services, and education.

Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
  
Arts and Culture
Milwaukee Youth Symphony - $1,000
Victory Garden - $500
 
Education
Milwaukee Rescue Mission - $1,000
ABLE - $1,250
Hope House - $500
Lutheran High School Assn. - $750
Good Friend - $1,000
Big Bros/Big Sisters - $750
YMCA - $750
United Community Center - $750
Victory Garden - $500
 
Social Services
Sojourner Family Truth House - $1,000
LaCausa - $1,500
Hope Center - $2,000
City on a Hill - $1,500
CARE Net Pregnancy Center of Milw - $800
Cops and Kids - $1,000
BUY REAL ESTATE SUPPLIES AT MINUTEMAN PRESS IN BROOKFIELD
 
We still receive calls asking where the store is.  The GMAR Realtor store is closed and Minuteman Press in Brookfield is now selling Real Estate Supplies! Visit them at 13680 W. Capitol Drive, M-F 8am-5pm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 262-781-9622.

 
SAVE THE DATE - 1ST ANNUAL WINE & BEER TASTING EVENT

Join the  Kettle Moraine Council for their inaugural 
Wine & Beer Tasting Event to benefit GMAR's Youth Foundation
 
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Time: 5:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: House of Heileman's on Big Cedar Lake
Cost of Tickets: $25/person 
 
Bus Information:
4:15pm pick up at GMAR
4:30pm pick up at Germantown Park and Ride
4:45pm pick up at West Bend Threshold Parking lot off 33 (Old Pick and Save)
*Bus will leave event at approximately 7:45-8pm
A reservation must be made to ride the bus with Kaye Erdman by September 4
Email: kerdman@firstweber.com Cell: 262-707-4966     
 
                  
Friday, October 12 is GMAR Shredfest
Location: GMAR Parking Lot: 12300 W. Center St.
 
 
Each GMAR member may bring up to 10 boxes or bags to be shredded. Your cardboard boxes and plastic bags are emptied as you arrive and returned to you. 
 
To sign up, click here or email Michelle Kohn with the time slot that you would like to arrive and the number of boxes/bags that you will have. Times slots that are available are:
 
9-10am
10-11am
11am-noon
noon-1pm
1-2pm
2-3pm
 

 
SOLUTIONS FOR CLIENTS WITH HOME GOODS THEY NO LONGER NEED   
 
Habitat ReStore Offers Free Pickup & Salvage Services
 
Habitat for Humanity ReStore picks up donations of gently used furniture, appliances and more for free! Donations are tax deductible and help local families in need of safe, affordable housing. 

  
ReStore's experienced Deconstruction Services will even remove kitchen cabinetry and more! 
 
FIND OUT MORE  or call: 414-316-5651 
 
To learn more about local real estate or to become a GMAR member visit gmar.com